10 most popular plug-in hybrid cars

You may want your next car to have a low impact on the environment, but you may also not be sure that an electric car will fully meet your needs. The plug-in hybrid offers an excellent compromise. You can read more about plug-in hybrids and how they work here. 

A plug-in hybrid car can save you a lot of money on fuel and tax costs, and most of them are zero-emission, electric-only, allowing you to make many fuel-free trips.

So which plug-in hybrid should you buy? Here are 10 of the best, showing that there is something for everyone.

1. BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is one of the best family sedans available. It's spacious, well-made, well-equipped, and drives fantastically.

The plug-in hybrid version of the 3 Series is called the 330e. It has a powerful gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor, and when they work together, the car accelerates very quickly. It's also smooth in town, easy to park, and comfortable on long journeys.  

The latest version of the 330e, sold since 2018, has a battery range of 37 miles, according to official figures. The old version, sold from 2015 to 2018, has a range of 25 miles. The latest version is also available in the Touring body. The old version is only available as a sedan.

Read our review of the BMW 3 Series.

2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is another of the best family sedans available, and it looks a lot like the BMW 3 Series. The C-Class simply outperforms the 3 Series, having a cabin with a bit more space and a lot more wow factor. It looks luxurious and very modern.

The plug-in hybrid C-Class is equipped with a petrol engine combined with an electric motor. Its performance, again, closely matches that of the 330e. But it feels more relaxed and laid back than the BMW, which actually makes the C-Class even better on long journeys.

Mercedes has two plug-in C-Class hybrid models. The C350e was sold from 2015 to 2018 and has an official range of 19 miles on battery power. The C300e went on sale in 2020, has a range of 35 miles, and its batteries charge faster. Both are available as a sedan or station wagon.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

More car buying guides

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Top 10 Plug-in Hybrid Cars >

3. Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is one of the few compact crossovers available as a plug-in hybrid. This is the same car as the Nissan Qashqai - a cross between a hatchback and an SUV. It is about the same size as the Qashqai.

Niro is a great family car. There is enough space in the cabin for children of all ages; trunk of a convenient size; and all models are very well equipped. It is easy to drive around the city, and comfortable on long trips. Children will also enjoy the beautiful view from the rear windows.

The petrol engine works with an electric motor to provide decent acceleration. According to official figures, the Niro can travel 35 miles on a full battery charge.

Read our review of the Kia Niro

4. Toyota Prius plugin

The Toyota Prius Plug-in is a plug-in version of the revolutionary Prius hybrid. The Prius Prime has different styling front and rear, giving it an even more distinctive look.

It is easy to drive, well equipped and comfortable. The cabin is roomy, and the boot is as big as other midsize hatchbacks like the Ford Focus.

The Prius Plug-in has a gasoline engine combined with an electric motor. It's nimble in town and powerful enough for long motorway trips. Driving is also relaxing, so those long trips should be less stressful. The official range is 30 miles on battery power.

5. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf GTE is the sportiest plug-in hybrid on our list. It looks like the legendary Golf GTi hot hatch and is almost as easy to drive. Like any other Golf model, it's spacious, practical, and you can really feel the quality of the interior.

Despite its sporty driving style, the Golf GTE is great for city driving and is always comfortable, even after hours on the road.

The Golf GTE has a petrol engine under the hood. Older models sold from 2015 to 2020 have a range of 31 miles on battery power, according to official figures. The latest version has a range of 39 miles.

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

6. Audi A3

The Audi A3 plug-in hybrid is very similar to the Golf GTE. After all, everything that makes them go, steer and stop is exactly the same in both cars. But it looks more luxurious than the sporty Golf, which you will immediately notice in the brilliantly comfortable, beautifully designed interior. However, you pay a premium for it.

The performance of the A3 family car is better than any other premium midsize hatchback. Your kids will have plenty of room, no matter their age, and the trunk holds a week's worth of family vacation luggage. It is always quiet and comfortable here.

Older A3 plug-in hybrids sold from 2013 to 2020 are branded e-tron and can travel up to 31 miles on battery power, according to official figures. The latest TFSi e branded version has a range of 41 miles.

Read our Audi A3 review

7. Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman combines the retro styling and driving fun that make the Mini Hatch so popular as a more family-friendly SUV. It's actually smaller than it looks, but has a more spacious and practical interior than similarly sized hatchbacks.

The Countryman Cooper SE plug-in hybrid handles well and is compact enough to be easy to drive around town. Parking too. It is good fun on a winding country road and provides a smooth ride on motorways. It even accelerates remarkably quickly when the gasoline engine and electric motor are putting out their full power.

According to official figures, the Countryman Cooper SE can travel 26 miles on battery.

Read our Mini Countryman review.

8. Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a large SUV that is ideal for families with older children and plenty of luggage to carry in the trunk. It is comfortable, very well equipped and seems extremely durable. So he can easily withstand the hardships of family life.

The Outlander plug-in hybrid was actually one of the first plug-in hybrid cars to go on sale in the UK and has been the best-selling for many years. It was updated several times, among the changes was a new engine and a restyled front end.

It's a big car, but driving around town is easy. It feels calm and relaxed on the motorways, with an official range of up to 28 miles on battery alone.

Read our review of the Mitsubishi Autlender.

9. Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb belongs to any list of the best cars available. It looks great, the interior and trunk are spacious, it's well equipped and well made. It's also one of the very best cars you can get if you need to make regular long motorway trips. And it's great value for money, costing a lot less than its premium brand competitors.

The Superb iV plug-in hybrid has the same engine and electric motor as the latest VW Golf and Audi A3 plug-in hybrids, all three from Volkswagen Group brands. According to official figures, it gives strong acceleration and has a range of 34 miles on battery. It is available with a hatchback or wagon body style.

Read our Skoda Superb review.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 SUV is one of the most practical vehicles you can buy. A tall adult fits in all seven seats, and the trunk is absolutely roomy. Fold down the two rows of rear seats and it can turn into a van.

It is very convenient, and it is pleasant to spend several hours in the interior. Or even a few days if you are going very far! It is well equipped and very well made. The XC90 is a very large car, so parking can be tricky, but driving is easy.

The XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid is quiet and smooth to drive, and capable of quick acceleration if you want it. According to official figures, the battery range is 31 miles.

Read our Volvo XC90 review

There are many high quality used plug-in hybrid cars for sale on Cazoo. Use our search function to find the one you like, buy it online and then have it delivered to your door or pick it up at your nearest Cazoo customer service center.